Chicken Chow Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than takeout
• Quick and easy to make
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Packed with tender chicken and vegetables
• Rich, savory flavor
• Family-friendly meal
• Perfect for meal prep
• Uses simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chow Mein

• 12 ounces chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, chicken broth, cornstarch, and black pepper.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
6. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper.
7. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
8. Add the garlic and green onions and cook for 30 seconds.
9. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet.
10. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
11. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
12. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
13. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Shrimp Chow Mein: Replace the chicken with shrimp.
• Beef Chow Mein: Use thinly sliced flank steak instead of chicken.
• Vegetable Chow Mein: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Chow Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Mushroom Chow Mein: Include sliced mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari.
• Extra Crunchy Version: Add bean sprouts during the final minute of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

What is Chicken Chow Mein?

Chicken Chow Mein is a Chinese-inspired stir-fried noodle dish made with chicken, vegetables, noodles, and a savory sauce.

What noodles should I use?

Traditional chow mein noodles are ideal, but thin egg noodles, yakisoba noodles, or even spaghetti can be used.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are flavorful and work very well.

What vegetables are commonly used in Chow Mein?

Cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, onions, celery, and bell peppers are all popular choices.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. It stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Why use cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it coats the noodles evenly.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add chili oil, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes to increase the heat.

Is Chow Mein the same as Lo Mein?

Not exactly. Chow Mein is typically stir-fried and often slightly crisp, while Lo Mein noodles are usually softer and more heavily sauced.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, and zucchini all make excellent additions.

What should I serve with Chicken Chow Mein?

Egg rolls, dumplings, hot and sour soup, or a simple cucumber salad pair perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory homemade sauce. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to rival your favorite takeout restaurant, this dish is a versatile and family-friendly dinner option. Once you try this homemade version, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Chicken Chow Mein

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Chicken Chow Mein is a classic takeout-inspired noodle dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a rich umami-packed sauce. This quick and satisfying one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, chicken broth, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
6. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper.
7. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
8. Add the garlic and green onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet.
10. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
11. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
12. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
13. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for extra flavor.
• Add bean sprouts during the final minute of cooking for added crunch.
• Broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy make excellent vegetable additions.
• For a spicy version, add chili garlic sauce, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg